COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Some Ohio lawmakers and pro-marijuana groups vowed to continue a campaign to legalize some types of marijuana Wednesday after voters shot down legislation that would have legalized both recreation and medicinal use.
Ohioans voted with nearly a 2-to-1 margin against the legislation, which would have granted a small number of wealthy investors exclusive rights to operate marijuana farms.
Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberg, a Republican, and other state lawmakers, once staunchly against legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes, seem to be wavering on the issue. State Rep. Ryan Smith, a Republican, said there could be some form of pilot program or narrowly crafted legislation introduced.
Earlier this year, Republican Rep. Wes Retherford introduced a bill that would allow medicinal use of cannabis oil for children with seizure disorders, but the bill has not moved forward.
Related
"In talking to people, it was surprising to me how many said they support medical marijuana," Smith said. "We obviously want to help the parents with children that are ill and the elderly that are suffering. We just want to make sure the scientists tell us it will help and we write it in a responsible way."
At the same time, Ian James, executive director of the pro-marijuana group ResponsibleOhio, vowed to continue the path to legalizing the drug, saying "We started the conversation, and we're going to continue the conversation."
"Ohioans still need treatment and deserve compassionate care. And our state needs the jobs and tax revenue that marijuana legalization will bring," he said.
If passed, the Ohio amendment would have allowed adults age 21 and older to use, purchase and grow some kinds of marijuana and would have created 10 marijuana grow sites throughout the state. Analysts said the biggest sticking points for voters were fears the measure would have established a monopoly to a small number of wealthy investors in the state, including former boy-band member Nick Lachey.
"Several polls leading up to Election Day showed that a clear majority of Ohioans support legalizing marijuana, but voters won't tolerate this issue being taken over by greedy special interests. Our ongoing national movement to end marijuana prohibition is focused on civil rights, health and public safety, not profits for small groups of investors," Tom Angell, chairman of the pro-marijuana group Marijuana Majority, said. "It's a shame Ohio voters didn't have the opportunity to consider sensible legalization in 2015."
